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Pleural effusion

Causes
Clinical features
Investigations
Therapy
Prognosis
Prognosis

If no definite cause can be found, the prognosis is good c

Note:

  • In one series of patients with non-specific pleural effusions, all effusions eventually resolved (half within 6 months). c
  • A cause is subsequently found in a fifth. (20%: 95% CI: 7.6% to 32%) c
  • Only a sixth relapse. (13%: 95% CI: 2.3% to 23%) c

Expiry date: July 2003
Levels of Evidence used in grading these guides

Author   CM   Ball
Reviewer   D   Geddes
CAT Writers   D   Stanley , CM   Ball